Mount Allison University is pleased to announce the hiring of Truro, N.S., resident Scott Annand as the Football Mounties’ defensive coordinator for the 2010 season.
With over 38 years of football playing and coaching experience, Annand’s resumé is impressive, ranging from guest coaching appearances with the NFL’s Buffalo Bills and the New England Patriots to a 24-year teaching career at the elementary to senior high school levels in the Truro area. A master course conductor for Football Canada’s NCCP certification program, Annand has served with the minor football program since 1982 and from 1991 has coached with Team Nova Scotia’s Under-19 team. His record speaks for itself as he has won championships both at the developmental levels to five appearances and a pair of victories at the Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) Vanier Cup national championships. In 1995 he was recognized with the Phil Hughes Award as the Outstanding Volunteer Coach in the Atlantic University Football Conference.
Annand has been seconded from 13 years of teaching at Cobequid Educational Centre (CEC) to lead the defensive unit of the Mount Allison Mounties this upcoming season. Former physical educator and defensive coordinator with the CEC Cougars, Annand has been a familiar face in the Atlantic University Sport (AUS) football scene for the past 20 years having served as receiver and defensive secondary coach with the X-Men for nine years and 10 years as defensive line coach with the SMU Huskies. Over the past five seasons Annand assisted with the defensive teams for Montreal Alouettes for two years, and the Calgary Stampeders of the Canadian Football League (CFL) for the past three.
Annand says he is excited about his new position with the Mounties.
“This has been a dream of mine to be a full-time coach at the CIS level. These opportunities don’t come by every day so when the chance to become a major contributor to further the success of the Football Mounties came along, I jumped at it. Football has been a huge part of my life, and I hope that my expertise, dedication, and expectations can help lead the Mounties back to the national championships. We will operate a high-energy, high-octane defense — one where the bar will be raised on mental focus, team psyche, commitment, work ethic, and intensity. I hope to be able to use my knowledge gained with the Stampeders to help the Mounties play a tough physical game with great will and relentless effort — each week prepared to destroy the demeanor of the opposing offences. I can’t wait to get started.”
Also excited to have Annand behind the bench this year, head coach Kelly Jeffrey looks forward to utilizing the knowledge and skill sets of the Mounties’ newest coaching addition.
“With his professional background and winning record Scott brings some great experience to the team, and I feel he complements our coaching staff with his high-energy, enthusiasm, and passion for teaching others the game. He’s a well-respected veteran of the AUS and is well connected at every level of the game throughout Atlantic Canada. We are excited at the level of knowledge, expertise, and commitment he will bring to every practice and game in the upcoming season as the team’s defensive coordinator. He’s a proven winner and will no doubt bring that winning attitude along with him,” says Jeffrey.
Annand follows Peter Estabrooks who was the Mounties’ defensive coordinator from 2007-09.
“We wish to thank Peter for his long-standing dedication to the Mounties’ football program, first as a player and then for many years as a coach,” said Jeffrey. “Particularly during some challenging years for the program during the past decade, Peter provided much needed stability and leadership. We are grateful for his contributions.”
The Mounties open up their regular season at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 11, when they host Saint Francis Xavier for homecoming weekend. In the coming weeks more information will be provided about the special events being planned to kick the season off in style as part of homecoming.
